The great reggae dj and singer/producer Mikey Dread (born Michael George Campbell) passed away March 15th from a brain tumor at age 54. An engineer in the mid 70s at the JBC, the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, Dread started "Dread at the Controls", the first all-reggae show in a time where most of the music played was pop music from other countries. The show became a huge hit and Dread went on to record his own music, as well as collaborate with legends like King Tubby, produce songs like "Bankrobber" for The Clash and guest on their album Sandinista. Dread also produced tracks for UB40 and many other artists. His own albums include Dread at the Controls, Evolutionary Rockers, and World War III in the 70s, and Profile and African Anthem Revisitedlater in the early 90s. Dread was in the process of re-releasing his music through his own Dread at the Controls label, after waiting out his contracts with other labels.

Mikey Dread was also known for narrating and hosting several reggae documentaries, and performed live with The Clash, UB40, Bob Dylan, and Carlos Santana, among others (source). He is also featured on a track by Seal on the 50 First Dates soundtrack in 2004, as well as Clash tribute, The Sandinista! Project. His website says farewell to "a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend".

Photo via Mikey Dread's website